Can a performance chip make a 95 BMW 325i much peppier than a 97 BMW 328i

Convertible? My son has the 95 BMW 325i and I have driven it for months while he was in Iraq. I have the 97 BMW 328i convertible and my car is not nearly as peppy. He bought a chip for his car so it would perform better only to find it already had one in it. The new chip made little or no difference.

His car does have a performance air filter and air scoop, but that's about all as far as the engine is concerned. When I drive my stock convertible it is sluggish compared to his car. It is a noticeable difference. We both have about the same number of miles (about 125,000 mi) and had similar tires. I didn't really think a performance chip could make such a difference on old cars, but it's a noticeable difference in the two cars. Both cars are automatic and neither one is dogged around.

I am aware my convertible is probably a couple of hundred pounds heavier, but would that make such a difference in performance? Both cars are running well and neither needs a tuneup or any other maintenance.

Is it really the chip making his car feel quite a bit peppier or is it the extra weight of my car making it feel sluggish compared to his? If I had never driven his car I would still feel my car is somewhat sluggish. However, I am used to high performance cars as I have had three Corvettes and a Porsche so maybe I expect too much. The last time I had a fast convertible I had a fuel-injected 63 Corvette Sting Ray, which was far peppier than the Vette I have now (1989) or the BMWs.